I missed you all.

I was visiting family in Georgetown and had planned to go but Independence is 1.5 hrs. away (from G-town) and we just couldn't get there and back and be back in time to watch our cardiac kids, the LSU tigers on tv! I know it was fabulous! Also, my SIL is not a rose person but was willing to go. However, my sweet husband did take me to a nice nursery in G-town, Forever Nursery I think, and I bought Caldwell Pink, on sale, and Stephen Affleck, both from ARE. The lady who helped us was very knowledgeable and helpful.I also bought 2 handmade Bluebonnet stepping stones as souvenirs. G-town is a charming town with a lovely real town square. I hated missing Jeri and Clay and others. Buff

Oops! I meant Thomas Affleck! Buff

I met a friend from Houston and throughly enjoyed the day! I am planning another trip back. The roses were in full bloom, weather was perfect. I bought 8: Crepuscule, Coral Beauty, FJ Lindheimer, Cl. Orange Triumph [these are all repeats - like them so well had to have another!], Rhodologue Jules Gravereaux, Belinda, Basye's Purple Rose, Caroline Hairston. Wanted more but need to get these planted......Going to the ARE is one of the highlights of my year! Then we had supper at a great resturant in Brenham. All in all.....a perfect day! Wish I could have met Jeri Jennings.......I have the rose named after her.
Judith

Love those maroon and green gardening gloves. They are the only gauntlets that I own that I can stand to wear for any length of time, because they fit well and they breathe. Yes, they are washable.

Sounds like a great day - glad you got to visit with Jeri and Clay - for those who haven't met them, and gotten to hear Jeri speak, it is worth making the effort to do so!
Anita

Rozanna, I missed you, too! Hope you can make it down for some rose event next year!

Judith, I am sorry we didn't get to say Hi there... Sometimes I think I should wear a name badge to these events so people won't hesitate to walk over and say hello. I thought I recognized Jeri when I saw her, but I had to go ahead and ask if she was who I thought she was... at least she didn't give me a finny look!!!

Hi Anita, I am glad to know you like those gauntlet gloves. I still have a pair of perfectly serviceable grey goatskin gauntlets that are several years old, but it doesn't hurt to have a new set every once in a while. These new ones felt buttery soft when I tried them on, so they are now in the garage awaiting my next "dirt day"!

One thing I forgot to mention was that Stephen Scanniello let me know that there will be a planting weekend at the ARS gardens in Shreveport the first weekend of December, and they will welcome any workers who want to come and lend a hand. I have not gone in the past, but I have always heard that they have a lot of fun. Anyone from colder climes that would care to join, it will be a nice break from the frozen north! And it is the right thing to do! Support the HRF and ARS with your sweat as well as your dollars. It's good work.
Allison

One of these years we're going to make it to this event. It really sounds like fun. Getting together with rose friends is one of the best things I can think of.

It would have been splendid to join all of you! I had my first visit to TX when I went to Dallas last fall and was so happy to meet all of the friendly rose people. Maybe next year...but you have to promise to come west sometime soon, too!

Sue

Actually Sue, I am intending to come out west again within a few months. I was in California in June/July of 2006 for a week or so, and had a blast! I had wanted to walk 'neath those stately redwoods since I first saw a film about them in elementary school, a long LONG time ago!

Since I have been there in summer, I am shooting for a winter or early spring visit next time. I would love to meet some of my California rose friends while I am there this time!

Allison

I was there for the talks by Dave of Dave's garden and the Jennings'. It was a fun day. I really loved the time to listen to some real plant people and walk around the gardens. Didn't buy much, but came home with a renewed spirit...

Oh, I wish I could've gone to that. I've missed everybody. (((HUGS))) to my Texas gals Allison, Rozanna, Judith, everybody ...(you know who you are).

I love hearing about rosey parties, hate to miss out. I'm glad y'all got to see old friends and make new ones :)

p.s. Allison, Ziggy is bigger than Precious Pup now.

We're home! We're home! No email access the last 3 days on the road -- such agony!

We had a wonderful time, and want to go another time. That was a terrific three days, and one of the greatest things was that talks were spaced out enough to give everyone time to relax, talk talk talk, and enjoy the gardens.

Jeri

Welcome back, Jeri, we've missed your company and advice. I just finished reading about your trip and have a surprise. We both are descended from Halls in TX. How 'bout that!

Welcome back, cuz,
Sue

We both are descended from Halls in TX. How 'bout that

*** My Hall cousins made it to ARE for the talk, too!
We must Talk.

Jeri

Nay!!!!!

Good grief, girl!!!!

Where the heck are you hiding yourself at these days??? You never post... (ack, I sound like the nagging woman "Ya Nevah Call Ya Mothah"!!!). Email me, or write or call, when you get a chance. Would love to catch up with you again! How are Ziggy and Precious doing? Bet they are just happy as little clams living with you still!

Allison

I thought some of you might enjoy seeing some images of the Antique Rose Emporium, taken during the Fall Festival. Most of these were taken late in the day, when the public had left, and the late sunshine was a lovely golden color.

Jeri Jennings

Here is a link that might be useful:

Nay - so good to see you post! Chamblees is not the same without you - really miss chatting with you about roses. I am trying to find the time to get up there soon. Hope you are happy and prospering. Coming back to Texas anytime? Happy Thanksgiving!
Judith